Nautical Archaeology Survey Methods

Abstract

When an underwater archaeological excavation is being considered, it is essential to establish clearly defined objectives that precisely state the nature of the excavation. These objectives will generally fall into four categories: necessary surveys of areas that are to be dredged or otherwise significantly altered because of construction, the desire to locate a single, identified ship, the desire to locate nonspecific resources, and the desire to salvage. These four scenarios are the most likely situations that will evolve into organizing resources for an underwater excavation (Fig. 1).